Report on the 17th Kurashiki Spring Night Lights - The Light Feast Announcing Spring in the Bikan Historical Area Ends on March 31!

It is still quite cold in the mornings and evenings, but we can gradually hear the footsteps of spring these days.

The "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari," which has firmly established itself as an event heralding spring in the Bikan Historical Area, is a seasonal tradition.

In 2024, the event will be held for a longer period than usual, with many related events planned mainly on weekends. I visited the site on March 16, when the popular "Akari Meguri" was held.

I will report on the traditional akari using Japanese umbrellas along the Kurashiki River, as well as new and unique akari.

What is the "17th Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari"?

Image provided by the Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari Executive Committee

The Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari is an event held in the Bikan Historical Area, where visitors can enjoy the illumination created using Japanese umbrellas and lanterns while strolling around.

As a regular early spring event, it has been held every year except during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 17th edition in 2024 will take place from March 9 (Saturday) to March 31 (Sunday).

[March 9 (Sat) - March 31 (Sun) held] 17th Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari - Let's take a camera to the event that colors the spring nights of Kurashiki

The "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari," which has become a spring tradition in Kurashiki. More people are looking forward to this event that colors the spring nights of the Bikan Historical Area with Japanese illumination. The night is completely different from the daytime...

I attended the event

I arrived at the venue, the Bikan Historical Area, just after 6 PM.
There are various spots where you can see the akari, but I started at "Imabashi" in front of the Ohara Museum of Art.

Since it was still bright, I strolled along the Kurashiki River while watching the fading evening sky. Gradually, the surroundings began to darken.

Here are the "Wagasa Akari" lined up along the riverbank.
When you think of "Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari," this is what comes to mind, right?

At Kurashiki SOLA Mingei Hiroba, which opened in 2022, "Indigo Akari" themed on Kojima's specialty denim is being showcased.

I was soothed by the calm colors of the blue-themed wagasa and the setsubun (snow lantern).

Additionally, on weekends, a light-up event was held at the "Kurashiki Yoimachi GARDEN" located further inside.

Now, let's head to other spots with a map in hand.

Akari Meguri (held on March 16 and 17)

"Akari Meguri" is a participatory event where participants search for hidden words by visiting six locations with letter lanterns set up in the area (participation is free).

At the reception next to the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Office, you fill in your name and phone number, and receive a lantern with an LED and a participation card.

One lantern is lent out per group.

As I went along with the lantern in hand, I found an andon with hiragana written on it.

I visited the six spots and filled in the keywords. When I returned the lantern at the reception, I received a fragrance pouch as a participation prize.

I recommend participating early (before 6 PM).

Haruyoi Balloon and Haruyoi Andon (Kurashiki Ivy Square)

This time, Kurashiki Ivy Square was also used as a venue, and "Haruyoi Balloon" appeared on the pathway leading to the courtyard from the Bikan Historical Area side.

With the Kurabo Memorial Hall and the Aimi Red Brick Hall in the background, it creates a perfect harmony of Japanese and Western styles.

Following the akari, I headed to the courtyard.
In a fantastical blue-themed light-up, "Haruyoi Andon" is set up.

At Kurashiki Ivy Square, a collaborative event called "Haruyoi Cafe" is held mainly on weekends, where light meals and drinks can be enjoyed in the courtyard.

Kiriko Akari (entrance of Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan)

Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kanの入口付近に設置された、切り絵を用いたあかりです。

よく見てみると倉敷市の花である「藤の花」や市の鳥である「かわせみ」がデザインされており、下側からは地面に影絵のような模様が投影されていました。

▼こちらは美観地区の柳と人力車をモチーフにした作品。

A work inspired by willows and rickshaws

特に紹介されてはいませんでしたが、Achi Shrineの下に工房を構える「倉敷光作所」の手による作品です。

おわりに

今回で17回目を迎えた倉敷春宵あかりですが、今では倉敷音楽祭と並んで早春の倉敷を代表するイベントの一つになったと思います。

年によって開催内容や開催日程にはばらつきがあるものの、今年（2024年）は開催期間も長く設定されているので、より多くのかたが参加しやすいように配慮されているように感じました。

個人的に今回特に良かったと思えたのは、アイビースクエアの「春宵ふうせん」です。
和と洋の交わった雰囲気に倉敷らしさを感じますし、実際に現地でも多くのかたが写真に収めていました。

また週末のほうが協力イベントも多く賑やかではありますが、平日は人も少なめでゆっくりと鑑賞できるので、平日夜もおすすめです。

来年の開催も楽しみにしています。ありがとうございました。

Data for the 17th Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari

Name	17th Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari
Dates	March 9 (Saturday) to 31 (Sunday), 2024 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM Held in light rain
Location	Bikan Historical Area
Participation Fee (including tax)	Free
Website	17th Kurashiki Shunshoi Akari